Insiders deliver in TCU women's victory

Heading into Sunday's women's basketball game against Sam Houston State, TCU was 13-5 when senior forward Delisa Gross recorded double-digit points in her three years as a Horned Frog.

The trend continued Sunday, as Gross' 11 points helped lift the Horned Frogs over Sam Houston State 67-60 at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.

Gross was utilized in the post more than most games this season, which gave her more touches and opportunities to draw fouls. Seven of her 11 points came from the foul line.

"[Gross] had some chances today," TCU coach Jeff Mittie said. "She was active today and I thought she played very well, especially with what we were trying to get her -- get her the ball in the block. When [Gross] plays with that kind of energy, we're usually pretty good."

Gross' production complemented TCU's high-point scorers, freshman guard Zahna Medley and sophomore guard Natalie Ventress. Medley finished with a game-high 21 points, 18 of which came from 3-point range, and impressed Mittie with her effort resulting in six rebounds, he said.

Sunday marked the fourth game this season Medley has led the Frogs in scoring, landing her in a tie with Ventress, who scored 11 points.

On defense, the Horned Frogs' objective was to keep Bearkats senior forward Britni Martin from taking over the game. The answer was a trap at the top of the key that left TCU's centers to cover the entire baseline. Center Latricia Lovings tied for No. 7 on the school's all-time, single-game blocks list with eight.

"I told her I thought most would occur at the rim, but actually they occurred all over the place today," Mittie said. "She's long and she has a good knack and timing to block shots. She's the best shot blocker we've had since Sandora Irvin [the onetime NCAA record-holder in career blocks] and I think you're going to continue to see her block shots."

The Horned Frogs also saw sophomore forward Donielle Breaux make her first appearance for TCU after sitting out a year after her transfer from Kansas. Breaux picked up nine points and three rebounds in her first game.

Mittie said offensive continuity continues to plague the young TCU team and adding a new player mixes it up more.

Lack of that offensive flow, Mittie said, can cripple even the most talented teams.

"You don't have to look real far -- look at the Lakers being out of sync. We're trying to work our way through that."